Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS): A Complete Guide
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Keeping your home properly insulated is one of the most effective ways to cut energy bills, reduce heat loss, and create a warmer, healthier living space, while also lowering your carbon footprint. Yet, the upfront cost of insulation can be a challenge for many households. That’s where the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) comes in.
Designed to make energy efficiency affordable, the scheme offers free loft and cavity wall insulation to eligible homeowners and private renters, with potential annual savings of up to £470. In this guide, we’ll explain how GBIS works, who qualifies, and how to apply.
What Is the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)?
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a UK government-backed programme launched in March 2023 to help households lower energy bills by improving home insulation. Backed by £1 billion in funding, it aims to support around 300,000 of the least energy-efficient homes in England, Scotland, and Wales with free or reduced-cost measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation.
Running until April 2026, GBIS has recently expanded to allow specific households two insulation measures instead of just one. Although it doesn’t cover Northern Ireland, residents there can access other government-backed energy efficiency grants.
How the Scheme Works – Step-by-Step
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) makes home insulation more accessible by working with energy suppliers. The process is straightforward:
Check your eligibility: Via the official government website or your energy supplier.
Assessment arranged: If eligible, an energy supplier will schedule a property assessment.
Recommendation provided: The assessment identifies the most suitable insulation measure for your home.
Cost notification: You will be notified of any cost you are required to pay
Installation: Approved installers carry out the work, helping you save energy and reduce your bills, especially important given the rise in the average electricity bill in the UK.
Who Can Benefit – Eligibility Criteria
The GBIS is designed to assist households that would benefit most from enhanced energy efficiency. The Great British Insulation Scheme eligibility falls into two main groups:
1. Low-income group:
Households where the homeowner or tenant receives at least one of these benefits:
Child Benefit
Pension Guarantee Credit
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income Support
Universal Credit
Housing Benefit
Pension Credit Savings Credit
2. General group:
Households that meet the following conditions:
Property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D to G
In Council Tax bands A–D in England
In Council Tax bands A–E in Scotland and Wales
What Insulation Measures Are Covered?
According to the Great British Insulation Scheme from Ofgem, both low-income group and general group homes can get any of these insulation upgrades to reduce electricity bill:
Cavity wall insulation (including party walls)
Loft insulation
Solid wall insulation (internal or external)
Pitched roof insulation
Flat roof insulation
Under-floor insulation
Solid floor insulation
Park home insulation
Room-in-roof insulation
Extra Measures & Conditions:
If you are in the low-income group and own your home, then along with insulation a secondary heating control measure (e.g. a room thermostat) may also be installed.
If you are in the low-income group and own your home, then along with insulation a secondary heating control measure (e.g. a room thermostat) may also be installed.
More expensive works, especially some versions of solid wall insulation, may require you to contribute (pay part of the cost).
To maximise savings and energy security, insulation can be paired with solutions such as the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station, which delivers 4000W output, expandable storage up to 12 kWh, whisper-quiet performance, and potential solar savings of up to £1,314 annually, all while providing reliable backup power during blackouts.
How to Apply for the Great British Insulation Scheme
Applying for the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is designed to be straightforward. The quickest way to begin is by using the government’s online eligibility checker. You’ll be asked for details such as your energy supplier, whether you are a homeowner, landlord, or tenant, your address, and your council tax band, which can be checked online if you’re unsure.
If you are eligible, your local council should contact you within 10 working days to request any further information and arrange a home survey to determine which insulation measures are most suitable. If you do not hear back within this timeframe, please follow up directly with your supplier.
While you can also apply by contacting your supplier, not all suppliers allow online applications. By law, energy suppliers with more than 150,000 customers are required to participate in GBIS, although smaller firms may have limited availability.
What If Your GBIS Application Is Rejected? Other Schemes to Consider
If your application for the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is unsuccessful, you may still have options. One alternative is the ECO Flex scheme, which allows local councils to support households struggling with fuel poverty.
Eligibility under ECO Flex depends on factors such as your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, combined with at least two criteria relating to age, health, income, or location. Not every council takes part, so it’s important to check directly with your local authority to see whether funding and support are available in your area.
Beyond government schemes, households can also invest in technologies that directly reduce reliance on the grid. For example, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Power Station, with its 6–30 kWh capacity, can store cheaper off-peak or solar energy and reuse it during peak times, helping to cut electricity costs much like GBIS lowers bills through insulation. With quiet operation, rapid UPS, and a five-year warranty, it provides lasting value for households aiming to manage energy more efficiently.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Power Station
Conclusion
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) offers households across England, Scotland, and Wales an affordable way to improve energy efficiency, cut bills, and stay warm. From eligibility and application to the measures available, understanding the scheme helps you make the most of government support.
And if you’re not eligible, alternative schemes such as ECO Flex may still provide valuable assistance. Additionally, investing in an EcoFlow portable power station can help households store cheaper off-peak or solar energy for later use, supporting long-term savings on electricity bills.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the government insulation scheme?
Households in England, Scotland, and Wales may qualify for the government insulation scheme if they meet specific criteria. Those on low incomes, with homes rated EPC D or below, or receiving benefits such as pension credit, universal credit, or child benefit, could be eligible. Others may also qualify if their property falls within council tax bands A–D in England or A–E in Scotland and Wales.
Is the Great British Insulation Scheme legit?
Yes, the Great British Insulation Scheme is a genuine government initiative. It was launched in April 2023 and will run until April 2026. Previously known as ECO+, the scheme helps tackle fuel poverty and reduce electricity bills by improving the least energy-efficient homes. Unlike ECO4’s whole-house approach, it usually funds a single insulation measure, with eligibility based on income, EPC rating, and council tax band.
How long is the waiting time for the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The waiting time for the Great British Insulation Scheme is usually around two to four weeks from approval to installation. However, this can vary depending on the type of insulation required, the speed of the grant application process, local installer availability, and the level of demand in your area. In some cases, waiting times may be longer if funding is limited.
Can I get cavity wall insulation removed for free?
Based on the latest official GBIS / Ofgem guidance, you are not guaranteed a free removal of cavity wall insulation under the Great British Insulation Scheme. The documents do not explicitly state that removal of existing insulation (for damp, mold, or damage) is covered. Any extraction would depend on survey findings, eligibility, and supplier decisions, rather than being a routine free service provided by the scheme.